A flurry of last minute cancellations, sparked by the RMT union calling Friday’s proposed strike, means a 10% loss of trade this weekend for Hotel Hebrides in Tarbert, Harris, compared to the same period in 2014.
Stuart Ashley, pictured above, general manager of the hotel, says the shadow of industrial action badly hits trade resulting in a general downturn in business, people cancelling rooms and heading elsewhere.
Mr Ashley said: “We are seeing an impact on bookings with customers phoning up saying there are not coming and making other arrangements to holiday elsewhere.
“Already we have a 10% cancellation rate for this weekend which we would not normally have.
“We are usually fully booked at this time of year as Harris is a well known holiday destination
“If strikes continue there will definitely be another knock-
Just up the road in Tarbert, Steven Brown owner rues a fall in takings at his First Fruits Tearoom.
Mr Brown said he had lost a lot of custom this season.
He said: “If they call off the strikes off then hopefully business will start coming back to the island.
“Its affected all businesses in Harris. Local shops are losing business and we are not seeing as many tour buses.
“I do support Cal Mac workers but I wish they could resolve the dispute.
“The Scottish Government and Cal Mac should sit down with the RMT and get this resolved. "
Tourists staying away in shadow of ferry strike threats
12 July 2015
